Republic of Ireland caretaker coach John O'Shea defended Evan Ferguson after their 0-0 draw with Belgium.

The Brighton striker missed a penalty in the friendly.

"It's one of those things. It happens with top strikers," said O'Shea.

"He'll have another spell five, six years down the line of a couple of months without a goal.

"As soon as he gets on the goal trail again, he'll be back on a run.

"It was just unfortunate. Ev had a little slip just before he knocked it so it would have put him off. But look, a youngster stepping up like that, it shows the courage he has and he didn't let it affect him.

"He knocked into the centre-backs as soon as he could again, got his confidence going and it's one of those things. He was unlucky with one - he got himself in a great position second half as well."